Salicylic Acid for Blackheads Guide – 2017

Salicylic acid is a widely prescribed acne treatment for acne and blackheads and can be found in most face lotions, ointments, and gels. This beta hydroxy acid (BHA) boasts exfoliating effects and prevents the pores from becoming clogged. The chemical sounding name may give the impression of an aggressive artificial treatment, which could be potentially be harmful to your skin.

This couldn’t be further from the truth.

Salicylic acid is a naturally occurring compound which is extracted from the bark of willow trees (as pictured). When used with the right dosage and applied correctly, it has very few side-effects while also being one of the most powerful anti-acne treatments available over-the-counter.

How does salicylic acid work?

Salicylic acid works by fighting inflammation, killing bacteria and unclogging your pores. A surprisingly great all-rounder for acne, considering it is just one compound. Compared to other acne treatments, it’s less harsh and can be used on most skin types. It tends to work particularly well on blackheads. Salicylic acid is also noticeably effective for dry skin and may help reduce irritation, redness, and swelling.

Due to its anti-inflammatory and calming effects, this ingredient is used in most acne products. It is marketed under different names, such as Aliclen, DHS Sal, Betasal, Salex, Acnomel Acne Mask, Acnex, and Zapzyt. The best salicylic acid face wash formulas are used in the treatment of acne, psoriasis, whiteheads, blackheads, common warts, and seborrheic dermatitis. Dosage depends on the condition that is being treated as well as on the severity of symptoms.

What Are the Benefits of Using the Best Salicylic Acid Face Wash?

Salicylic acid face wash is available over-the-counter, so may be purchased online. Customers can also opt for salicylic soap, lotion, foam, creams, and gels. Face washes and facial cleaners appear to be the most effective for preventing blackheads and other acne symptoms. These products clear up redness and open clogged pores. When used regularly, they prevent breakouts and soften thick, dry skin.

When you use the best salicylic acid face wash, your skin becomes clean and smooth. This product helps remove dead cells and debris thanks to its exfoliating properties. The concentration of salicylic acid a face wash is much lower than that in acne lotions and creams, so there are usually no side effects. Face washes are mild on the skin and rarely cause irritation or redness. Some people, especially those with very sensitive skin, may experience dryness and mild discomfort for the first week or two, but these side effects go away quickly as the skin adjusts to the treatment.

How to use salicylic acid face wash

The best way to prevent irritation when using salicylic acid is to stick to the recommended application schedule described on the bottle. When salicylic acid is used in a face wash for blackheads and acne, we recommend a dosage of around 2-5%. If symptoms do not improve within a couple of weeks, you can up the dosage a little until you find the right concentration for you skin.

Face washes should not be used more than twice a day. Also, it’s important not to use more than one or two salicylic acid products at a time, as you may exceed your daily dose without realizing. If you still experience irritation or redness, apply them less often or pair the face wash with an even gentler treatment containing herbal/anti-inflammatory ingredients. Choose the best salicylic acid face wash and don’t make any compromises when it comes to skin health.

Which is the best salicylic face wash product?

#1 Exposed Skin Care Facial Cleanser

The Exposed Skincare Facial Cleanser is commonly bought as part of Exposed 60 day treatment plan, but may also be bought separately from their website. It features salicylic acid as its key ingredient, which is testimony to the powerful anti-acne effects of the compound.

This facial cleanser also features vitamin pro B5. This vitamin is crucial for regulating oil production in the skin and helps prevent new bouts of acne from forming.

To combat any potential inflammation caused by the active anti-acne ingredients, the cleanser also features sage extract. Sage extract is a natural anti-inflammatory and helps prevent irritation and redness. That said, this product contains no detergents and all ingredients are non-comedogenic and hypo-allergenic, reducing the potential for irritation.

This facial cleanser uses tea tree oil and green tea oil as its secondary ingredients with tea tree oil being an anti-bacterial and green tea oil being a natural anti-inflammatory. Tea tree oil is a common choice in anti-acne products as its anti-bacterial properties works synergistically with compounds (such as salicylic acid) which improve skin-turn over and clear sebum, resulting in a well balanced product.

Some users report a burning sensation if the product is left on for too long. You should ensure that you follow all instructions when using this product.

Key Ingredients

Salicylic acid

Tea Tree Oil

Green Tea Extract

Pros

Made without animal testing

Pro-collagen formula

Effective anti-bacterial

Cons

#3 Philosophy – Clear Days Ahead Facial Cleanser

Philosophy have gone for a simple and straight-forward approach with their facial cleanser – Clear Days Ahead. They have focused their efforts on creating a well balanced formula that utilizes the active ingredient, salicylic acid, to its full effect. Users report that the product is effective, but can cause drying and subsequent irritation on dry or sensitive skin. It is therefore important to moisturize after using this product.

The orange scent is a nice touch from Philosophy. Users report that the smell doesn’t linger long but gives you an invigorating sense of citrus freshness. Just what you need in the morning!

Key Ingredients

Salicylic acid

Orange peel extract

Pros

Simple but well balanced formula

Sweet smelling

Cons

Some users report irritation

Doesn’t include anti-inflammatory so may not be suitable for sensitive skin

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